Aynsley Tea Set, Sanderson Games Set & More: Classic English Country Style

(ABOVE) In this post and video I am unboxing a classic English country floral tea set, antique tea accessory, games set, and two handbags.

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For YouTube Video & Outfit/Makeup Details Scroll to Bottom of Page

(NOTE: Some links that I provide in this post are affiliate links, which means if you follow that link and make a purchase I may possibly earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Some of the items may have been gifted to me by the brand, which will be noted under JLJ Back To Classic Beloved Brands below.  More information here.)

June 19,  2026 / Video Post Notes

A Pretty New Tea Set, Tea Accessories, Board Game & Two Handbags

Elegant English Countryside Florals

In this post and video I unbox several items in classic British floral designs that remind me of summer in the English countryside.  First is a pretty Tea Set inspired by the formal gardens at Windsor Castle and featuring elegant peony blossoms in soft shades of pink and blue.  This collection is by the prestigious British manufacturer of fine bone china tableware, teaware and commemorative gifts Aynsley, founded in Staffordshire, England, in 1775. (By the way, if you are interested in anything from Aynsely, you might want to use my code for 30% off, JANISLYNJOHNSON.)

Along with this tea set I also am showing several accessories I found recently.  One is an antique Sterling Silver Overcup Tea Strainer from the 1890s.  Rimmed in an ornate floral embossing, this tool is so pretty I was surprised at how well preserved it is.  The other is a set of six Mini Cut-Glass Round Bowls, perfect for corralling a variety of small items in elegant style.

And, lastly, more florals spring up–this time it is hollyhocks–on two Handbags and a chess, checkers and dominoes Games Set.  All are from the renowned luxury British design house Sanderson, which has an exceptional legacy of more than 165 years.

For details about all of these items and more, simply scroll down the page.  I go into much more about all of these things in my video, which is at the very bottom of this post.

Wishing you a happy weekend!

~ Janis

Janis Lyn Johnson
Classic-Style Lover. Happily Married. Born in 1960. Fan of Understated, Timeless Fashion and Healthy Living.
Editor
JLJ Back To Classic

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JLJ Back To Classic Beloved Brands & Exclusive Savings Codes

AllyShoes: For 10% off first purchase, JANIS10.

Aynsley England Fine Bone China: For 30% off, JANISLYNJOHNSON (The items featured in this post and video were gifted to me by Aynsely.)

Gingiberi Fine Jewelry: For 15% off,  Janis15.  Free shipping and free 30-day returns worldwide. (Some of the jewelry in this post and video was gifted to me by Gingiberi.)

Goelia: For $10 off,  10JLJ;  buy 2, get 15% off, JLJ15;  buy 5, get 33% off, JLJ33. (Some items in this post and video were gifted to me by Goelia.)

Note: Check Goelia’s Refund Policy for “Buy 2 Get 15% Off | Buy 5 Get 33% Off” Code promotion before returning or contact customer service.

Naomi Crafted Bespoke Handbags: For 20% off, JANISLJOHNSON. (The handbag I’m carrying in this post and video was gifted to me by Naomi Crafted.)

The Jacket Maker For 10% off, JLJ10.

LilySilk (excludes discounted products):  For 20% off, JLJ20; or 25% off over $/€/£480, JLJ25.

Pacifica Beauty: For 15% off,  JLJBACKTOCLASSIC.

Quince: I do not think Quince offers codes, but I am listing the brand here because the savings is built in. They offer a very good value on clothing, accessories, fine jewelry, beauty products, and home decor.

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Previous Posts

Custom-Made Classic Mini Bag and Two Timeless Summer Outfits Featuring Quince and Goelia
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, and What I Wore
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Herend Chinese Bouquet Breakfast Set and Bed Tray; Plus Ferragamo Vara Bow Bag and Pink Leather Jacket OOTD
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Healthy Hair, Skin & Nail Care, My A.M. and P.M. Routines
Blog Post, YouTube Video

New SPF 30 BB Cream; Longchamp Le Pliage Mini Pouch; and Ralph Lauren and Quince OOTDs
Blog Post, YouTube Video

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Scenes From The Video

Tea Set Unboxing

(ABOVE & BELOW) The shipping box containing the fine china was quite beat up–and also looked like various customs locations had opened and re-taped it back up twice. However, what I like about ordering from TheAynsleyStore.com is that everything inside the shipping boxes always comes nested in bubble wrap to keep it safe.

(ABOVE & BELOW) This Aynsley Peony Windsor Sweet Plate measures 7.5″ in diameter, is detailed with a gold rim, and is the perfect size for dessert, lunch or tea sandwiches, a side salad, or a light breakfast served on a bed tray. I ordered a set of four. The pastel pink, blue, and green artwork is inspired by the gardens at Windsor Castle in England.

Aynsley Peony Windsor Sweet Plate (7.5″diameter; for 30% off, use code JANISLYNJOHNSON.)

(ABOVE & BELOW) What I like about the Aynsley Peony Windsor Teacup & Saucer is not just the pretty floral pattern but also the Windsor styling. This is a popular shape in Aynsley fine china and dates back to the 19th century. It is known for its flared-out tea and mug rims and dramatic handles. In this particular collection, the cup and saucer rims have gold detailing and the teacup also has a footed bottom. I ordered a set of four.

Aynsley Peony Windsor Teacup & Saucer (1 cup capacity; for 30% off, use code JANISLYNJOHNSON.)

(ABOVE & BELOW) The Aynsley Peony Windsor Mug is perfect for conveniently drinking tea or coffee while at your desk, in the garden–or anywhere you prefer to use a mug rather than cup and saucer. Available in letters A through Z, it makes an adorable gift for friends and family. It also would look pretty organizing pens and pencils by the phone. Just like the teacup, this pretty little mug is also rimmed in gold and has a pedestal (footed) base.

Aynsley Peony Windsor Mug (.75 cup capacity; initials from A-Z available; for 30% off, use code JANISLYNJOHNSON.)

(ABOVE & BELOW) The Aynsley Peony Windsor Teapot has a lovely scalloped top with a gold-rimmed lid, and also the same dramatic shape and footed base as the teacups and mugs. Interestingly, the raised, flared base (or foot ) was a new invention that was added to teapots by British potters during the 1700s. This was done for two reasons: to stabilize the teapot, and also to prevent the hot bottom of the main tea chamber from harming delicate wood surfaces. So smart and so beautiful!

Aynsley Peony Windsor Teapot (4 cups capacity; for 30% off, use code JANISLYNJOHNSON.)

 

Tea Accessories

(ABOVE) When I first began collecting teapots and tea sets in the mid-1990s, I learned that I prefer to drink organic loose-leaf tea, rather than tea made from tea bags. However, in order to keep the tea leaves from floating into the teacup along with the tea, you may want to use a tea strainer–or a tea infuser or tea ball (which contain the tea like a tea bag). 

When I am at home alone drinking loose-leaf tea I do not always use a strainer. However, when I am with others, whether I am pouring tea for them or not, I always use a tea strainer. The one you see here is a recent purchase. It is circa 1892, by Dominick & Haff, and is made of solid sterling silver. I think the ornate floral embossing rimming the edge is lovely–this is called repoussé–and I was thrilled that it was still in such pristine condition after all of these years. If you are interested, here are more Sterling Silver Overcup Tea Strainers.

Opinions seem to vary, but it appears that this instrument is called an overcup tea strainer because it is held over the teacup when pouring the tea—not necessarily because it is placed on top of the teacup, as I am doing here.

When pouring tea for others, do not rest the tea strainer on top of each person’s teacup.  Instead, hold it above each cup. Resting it on each cup contaminates the strainer.  However, when drinking tea alone it is perfectly acceptable to rest the tea strainer on top of your own teacup, as long as the strainer is washed afterwards.

Sterling Silver Overcup Tea Strainers (Mine is circa 1892, by Dominick & Haff.)

Fortnum & Mason Porcelain Cloverleaf Overcup Tea Strainer

Harrod’s Stainless Steel Overcup Tea Strainer

Amazon Stainless Steel Leaf Overcup Tea Strainer

(ABOVE & BELOW) In my search for a sterling silver tea strainer, I found that most do not come with a bowl on which to place the strainer when it is full of dripping-wet tea leaves.  So, I went to Amazon and found this adorable set of six 3″ Cut-Glass Round Bowls.  These are the perfect size for a wet tea strainer, tea ball, or teabag. One of these bowls can also be placed beside a sink for rings, on a dresser for jewelry of the day, and on the table for chilled pads of butter, alternative sweeteners, fresh bags of tea, or after-dinner candies, etc.

Mini Cut-Glass Round Bowls (3″ diameter; set of 6.)

 

Games Set

(ABOVE) When I was middle-school age, I often played chess with one of my older brothers. I truly enjoyed it. However, after he went off to college and I grew up, I got out of the habit and, eventually, I forgot how to play altogether. I have been wanting to learn how to play again for a while (hoping it would exercise my brain), and I recently found out my husband knows how!  I cannot believe we have been married for 30 years and I never thought to ask him.

Because we did not have a chess set, I went on the hunt for one and found this pretty Sanderson Three-In-One Games Set. It comes with chess pieces, checkers pieces, and dominoes. We shall see how good a student I am. I do not remember anything about the game!

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Sanderson Three-In-One Games Set (Chess, checkers, and dominos; available in Hollyhocks White or Tattershall Blue; monogramming available; for more visit Sanderson.)

 

Two New Handbags

(ABOVE & BELOW) I bought this Sanderson Wicker and Leather Canvas Bag, because I thought it would look adorable with my plain white dresses. Founded in 1860, Sanderson is a renowned English design house known for its timeless English country house style. Their fabrics and wallpaper feature hand-drawn botanicals and pastoral scenes. 

I bought the Sanderson Leather and Canvas Clutch as a catchall for inside the bag, and although it is a bit longer than I imagined, I still like it–as silly as I know that is (you can see it peeking out of the top of my handbag). Of course, I can also use it for what it was intended–as an actual clutch.🥰

Sanderson Wicker and Leather Canvas Bag, Hollyhocks White (Now on sale for $89.99; monogramming available; for more visit Sanderson.)

Sanderson Leather and Canvas Clutch, Hollyhocks White (Now on sale for $49.99; monogramming available; for more visit Sanderson.)

 

Setting The Table For Tea & Games

(ABOVE) Even though I had used a tablecloth, I scorched one corner of this antique games table with a hot teapot years ago. My error created rings on the tabletop, and I was horrified. I should have known better. When I was a child my mother had always used hot pads under platters or bowls of hot food on the buffet and table in the formal dining room. Now, I always use a trivet under anything hot.

Pink Roses (or Peonies?) Arrangment in Glass Vase ($42; also in light pink, champagne, white, or purple.)

Lake Champlain Organic Chocolate Coins (Milk or dark chocolate available.)

 

What I Wore

Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Classic Sunglasses, Transparent Frame (Similar to pair I am wearing.)

Washable Stretch-Silk Peasant Blouse, Ivory (More colors available.)

18k Honeymoon Duo 6-10mm AAA Freshwater Pearl Earrings (Front-to-back style; choice of classic screw or push posts; Janis15 for 15% off.)

Lume Strand Sterling Silver Faux Diamond 9-10.5mm AA Freshwater Pearl Necklace (Circle pendant is removable; Janis15 for 15% off; 45cm/17.7in.)

Aira 14k 5-6mm AAA Freshwater Pearl Bracelet (Janis15 for 15% off.)

Solenne 14k 3-3.5 AA Freshwater Pearl Ring (Janis15 for 15% off.)

 

My Makeup & Hair Products

(ABOVE & BELOW) All of the makeup and hair products I am wearing in this post and video rate #3 or lower on the EWG (Environmental Working Group) Skin Deep Hazard/Toxicity Scale. EWG Skin Deep Hazard Scale Rating System: 1-2 low hazard; 3-6 moderate; 7-10 high hazard.

Mineral Fusion Lipstick, Kir Royale